Interview: Iva Štrljić, actress

I would love the summer to make me happy

I was born and I still live in the city center. In my attic everything is cozy, soft and feminine, filled with wood and memories. I love the place where I live to look like me and that there's always something inspirational about it. City is more about people than specific places. I love hearing trolley, I love all that smog, block pavement, that's what's inspiring me


By MARKO ANDREJIĆ (marko.andrejic@wavemagazine.net)
from Belgrade, SERBIA
Translation: MARIJA MITIĆ


Born in Belgrade, brought up on Kosančićev venac, Iva Štrljić is currently shooting a new TV show, having roles in the theatre plays and enjoying spring which was, for her, above all - wise. She is known for numerous roles in theatre and TV shows, but also as a host on B92's morning show and show Transforma which was broadcasted by RTS. Recently, she appalled the pubic by having on-screen breast implant surgery, organized by Story magazine. Genuine, pleasant and spontaneous, nice and charming, she shines with her personality as well as her looks.

In her interview with WAVE magazine Iva explains the genetic influence on her career choice, advises young actors never to give up and claims she would gladly accept the offer to host TV show again. She regards plastic surgery to be something natural and modern, as long as it's done tastefully and always starts day with ABBA because - The Winner does take it all.

How did you decide to be an actress? In which way was your decision influenced by your father, famous actor?

- It probably is the genetics, but still, there was no direct influence of my father, because my parents, father-actor and mother-ballet dancer, were never one of those parents who don't let their children have their own ways. They let both of us, first me, then my brother, to grow in our own way, yet it was clear from the start, growing up in such family, I won't be expert in surgery, but in some kind of art. As a child, I love reciting and watching movies. Since my parents were very strict, they rarely took me to shootings or rehearsals. As a girl, I wanted to act in some commercials, and actually had a chance to do so, but my parents, especially my dad, never allowed that, because they wanted me to have a childhood as calm and "normal" as the other kids did.

Have you ever, while on Academy or later in your career, had regrets about your choice?

- I, honestly, never regretted it. Even in those very hard moments, and this any free artist will understand, since as an artist, you don't know what tomorrow brings or whether it will bring something, you never have some basic security which other professions does, with those regular every-month salary and probably nice sleep, and even in those moments I haven't regretted and wished I was something else. Maybe it's something adventurous in me, though I'd never called it that way. Adventurer, despite his appetite for excitement, still has a need for something safe and in this profession, even that is rarely possible. Anyone who's experienced that, anyone who's a member of some theatre cast or has the advantage of knowing what's going to happen tomorrow, he or she truly is privileged.

Do you have some advice for young actors who are just starting their careers?

- The point is that you should never give up, not even when everything seems overcomplicated and like nothing you do seems to be good enough. In Serbia it's almost impossible to find out about an audition, not to mention getting a part! And you want people to like you, for someone important to want you in their project, but everything depends on other people's will. To be able to go through all that and stay normal and keep smiling, to menage to achieve all that, there has to be that "inner nerve" which I have. I think that's the essence of every good life and every good career choice. It's the drive which makes me never to sit at home waiting for someone to remember me, but to always try to remind people of me, because I know that everything that's happening to me is in my hands.

Which roles you played you consider to be most impressive or your dearest? What are you proud of in your career up to this moment?

- I can't say what's my favorite part, because every single one brought joy to me, but I can say what's some people's reactions were. First thing that comes to my mind is a role of teacher Branka in "Wounded eagle", then my first big TV role in TV show "Jelena" - I played Tatjana. And what's especially interesting is one commercial that often gets quoted - that's the one for Loto in which I first throw things through the window and than shout at my "dear husband" to open the door.

What are you doing at the moment? Are you involved in some new projects?

- I'm finishing the shooting of pilot version for one new TV show that will be broadcasted by Pink Television. That's what's most exciting at the moment and I think the audience will find it exciting as well. I won't reveal the details. Also, I'm acting in two plays. The one played in Slavija is called "Together's kafana" ("Kafana Kod zajedno"), it was written by Ljiljana Lašić, and the other actors are Desimir Stanojević, Ljiljana Lašić and me. It'sđa play about decadence of real, old bohemian kafanas in Belgrade. The other one is really dear to me, it's been played for many years, although today rarely in capital, which I consider to be a shame, because I really think it deserved to be played at least on some small scene in one of eminent Belgrade theatres. It's called "Blue rose" ("Plava ruža") and the actors are: Marko Nikolić, Danica Maksimović, Milan Čučilović and me. It's a family melodrama with the elements of comedy, in which I play a girl who is in seven months pregnancy and meets love of her life in an elevator.

You were a host of B92's morning show "Dizanje". How would you describe that experience? Was it difficult to get up so early in the morning and would you do it all over again, if good offer comes along?

- It was never a problem for me to get up early for anything, especially when it comes to job. Actors are usually associated with wild life and bohemian spirit, but I'm nothing like that. I live a healthy life. I get up early as it is, but that's probably more matter of biology. While I was doing the morning show, I got up at four or half past four in the morning and I really loved doing it. It made me happy at the time, I got lots of nice reviews. And till this day people come to me on street and ask me why I don't do it anymore and when will I again do something on television. I think people should do whatever they are good at and that every attempt in setting boundaries or prejudices is a sign of narrow-mindedness. When people say - you are an actress, why would you work as a TV host, I say - why wouldn't I? My profession is easily related to hosting and I don't see what's the point of asking that question in the first place. I would still gladly accept the offer to do something similar, as long as it's with some good network.

As a celebrity, you always find yourself in the center of media and public attention. Does that kind of popularity bother you or do you enjoy it?

- I think everybody in this business would like to experience that and anyone who says different is probably lying. For me, giving an autograph to some kid in the street or stop to have a conversation with some lady is never a problem, but those things really shows your manners. If somebody likes you and wants to compliment you, then that's nice of him and I don't see a reason not to be glad about it. If I responded to your question in any other way, I wouldn't be honest.

Before, I was hurt by other people's comments, but then I realized that those comments are only reflecting the person who's giving them, their comprehension of things and their experience. In time, I've learned to hear something, but just let it pass along.

And whose opinion you do care about?

- You always know who truly loves you and who loves you less or just pretends to love you. I have a red light which lights up whenever someone has good intentions, so I'll always be open to advices from that person.

How did you decide to get breast implants on-screen (which was organized by Story magazine)? Did you think about it earlier? Don't you think that that's too intimate for public to see?

- It was something I never thought about before. People from Story magazine first gave me that idea. I was satisfied with my looks before. But then, I got the opportunity and, being a modern not-judgmental about anything close to a man, I looked upon the idea of plastic surgery in the same way I look at anything. If that's something that's going to make me more beautiful, why not? That's natural, we all love looking better. Whatever a man can do to make him look prettier and if he has a chance to do it, if it would mean something to him, I'm all for it! As long as it's in harmony with what you are, as long as it's not overdone, distasteful or vulgar. I don't find published photos to be bad in any way, they are utterly medicinal and I consider my way of reasoning to be very mature.

Of course, it's unconventional to have those pictures published and I don't think everyone should publish something like that, but, bottom line is - everyone has his own perspective on his life. I don't judge people who don't speak about it, but I understand those who are. Since this wasn't my life wish and since I didn't make big deal out of it, I think probably that's the reason I find it easier to talk about.

Talking about beauty, it's spring, are you in love?

- This spring taught me to be careful next time I fall in love. It was one wise spring, which made me both happy and sad. Still, it truly was wise, which is the most important thing, when it comes to my future.

What does your Facebook status say? Where do you stand on new technologies, generally?

- I always write something unusual, some conclusion which I got to during some life period or some day. I like the things I write to shine with positive energy. When it comes to new technologies, I use it for communication, with fans for example. It's nice to see what someone thinks about you, things he approves, things he doesn't... I always respond to every message, but I don't like to overstep the line. People are getting to know each other in person, not on Facebook. I used it in professional purposes mainly and reasonably.

What's on your playlist?

- I like to start a day with ABBA and I've been doing that for years, I have no idea why I'm not bored with it. I'm in love with ABBA, "The Winner takes it all" is my favorite song and whenever my day starts with that song, I know that day will make sense. It gives me some special strength and hope that everything will turn out fine.

Favorite place in Belgrade?

- If I want to meet myself, my favorite place is still my room, my attic. In it everything is cozy, soft and feminine, filled with wood and memories. I love the place where I live to look like me and that there's always something inspirational about it.

All the places I love are in the city center. I love it on Kosančićev venac, since that's the place I grew up on. For me, city is more about people than specific places. Everything that means to me is in the town center, I rarely cross over the bridge. I love hearing trolley, I love all that smog, block pavement... That's what's inspiring me.

Can you recommend a book and a play for our readers?

- I always recommend Mika Antić, because I really love him. It's his book of essays called "Usually on Friday" ("Obično petkom") or my favorite book "Concert for 1001 drums", because it always remind me of someone it should remind me about. Or maybe it shouldn't because that always makes me sad, but it certainly knows where to aim. I love Tony Parsons and modern literature, Ivana Kuzmanović. Actually, I'm reading her books right now. Every one of these books solves some of my dilemmas.

When it comes to plays, I love those on Terazije Theatre - "Chicago", "Cabaret"... One of my favorite plays, I think it's no longer on repertoire, was on Atelje 212, called "Helver's night" ("Helverova noć"). And, of course, "Blue rose".

What are your plans for summer 2010?

- I would love for the summer to make me happy with one of its plans, because I don't have any at the moment, except TV show which is going to be filmed partially over summer. I expect the summer to come up with something just for me!



(Published: 12.06.2010.)